Introduction to Human Anatomy

Department of Anatomy
Faculty of Medicine – Tadulako University
Learning Objective :
• Define anatomy and the various specialties of
each.
• Identify the 11 organ systems of the body and
their major components.
• Using the proper anatomical terms (directional
terms, regional terms), body planes, and body
movements.
• Identify the major body cavities.
Anatomy… how`s important ???
• You will learn the anatomy vocabulary
necessary to communicate effectively as a
physician.
• You will develop an understanding of the three-
dimensionality of the body, and the
relationships of body structures. This
understanding is essential for interpreting
medical images such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI,
etc.
• You will learn the surface and deep anatomy
that is necessary to perform surgery and
understand a physical examination of a
patient.
Anatomy – the study of the structure of body parts and their
relationships to one another.

The Specialties of Anatomy :

Anatomy can be divided into gross and microscopic:
▫ Forms of Gross Anatomy
 Surface anatomy – study of internal structures as they
relate to the overlying skin
 Regional anatomy – study all structures in one part of
the body
 Systemic anatomy – study of the body by system
 Developmental anatomy – study of developmental
changes of the body before birth
▫ Microscopic anatomy includes two major subdivisions
 Cytology – study of cell
 Histology – study of tissue
An Introduction to the Organ Systems
 Anatomical Position
• Body erect
• Feet slightly apart
• Palms facing forward
• Thumbs point away from body
Regional Terms: Anterior View
Regional Terms: Posterior View
 Body Planes
• Sagittal – divides the body into right and left
parts
• Midsagittal or medial – sagittal plane that
lies on the midline
• Frontal or coronal – divides the body into
anterior and posterior parts
• Transverse or horizontal (cross section) –
divides the body into superior and inferior parts
Body Movements
 Body Cavities

• Body cavities are internal chambers holding vital organs

▫ Cavities protect vital organs
▫ Cavities allow organs to change in shape and size

• Two body cavities :

Dorsal cavity protects the nervous system, and is divided
into two subdivisions
▫ Cranial cavity is within the skull and encases the
brain
▫ Vertebral cavity runs within the vertebral column
and encases the spinal cord
Ventral cavity houses the internal organs (viscera), and is
divided into two subdivisions: - Thoracic and
Abdominopelvic cavities
• Thoracic cavity is subdivided into pleural
cavities, the mediastinum, and the pericardial
cavity
▫ Pleural cavities – each houses a lung
▫ Mediastinum – contains the
pericardial cavity, and surrounds the
remaining thoracic organs
▫ Pericardial cavity – encloses the heart
• The abdominopelvic cavity is separated
from the superior thoracic cavity by the
dome-shaped diaphragm
• It is composed of two subdivisions
▫ Abdominal cavity – contains the
stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, and
other organs
▫ Pelvic cavity – lies within the pelvis
and contains the bladder, reproductive
organs, and rectum
 Ventral Body Cavity Membranes
• Parietal serosa lines internal body walls

• Visceral serosa covers the internal organs

• Serous fluid separates the serosae

Thank You